Jyotsna

Part 1

It was evening, almost time for Ravi to come home. She had to get ready fast. She didn't want him to deride her for taking too long to dress up. She picked a pink chiffon sari and started to drape it neatly. "I had forgotten how much I love to dress up" she thought as she hummed a song to herself. She was ready, a few final touches left, but ready. She saw herself in the mirror, how different she looked. Ravi probably might've thought that it was silly, but everyone knows that husbands find only other 'dressed-up' women pretty. "Not today," thought she, "today, I am the prettiest woman in his life. I know he will make all these jokes about my make-up and sari, but I know he will be the old Ravi today and will like me this way."

The cuckoo clock in the hall chimed 8 times. She was getting worried. They were supposed to be at the restaurant at 8:30 as per the reservation, but Ravi wasn't even home yet. She had been sitting by the side of the window for half an hour waiting for him. She had resolved not to ask him why he was so late, an argument was the last thing she wanted that day. It was only a quarter hour later that she saw his car approach the drive-way. She unchained the door and hurried to the kitchen to make that strong filter coffee that he loved so much. She heard him enter the house as she poured the milk into the tumbler. She called out a loud greeting which was answered only by silence. A few minutes later she went to the living room with his coffee and a few biscuits. She was slightly annoyed to see him lying on the couch. He slowly got up seeing the coffee in her hand. He silently sipped the coffee and was deep in thought. She looked at him intently. She didn't know how to start the conversation. He was so short tempered off late. She cleared her throat and asked him if he was done drinking his coffee. He didn't respond. She waited for a few seconds and said "I have ironed that new shirt you like and have kept it on the bed. Go change quickly. We are running late na?"

"I am not done drinking this" he replied.

"Finish it fast then. We have to be there in 10 minutes. You know how crowded that place is. I will try-"

"Can you stop talking for a change?" he interrupted her. "I just came home now! Less than two seconds ago! Give me time to breathe at least. I had an extremely long day."

"Okay" said she. She paused for a moment and continued, "Look, I know you are tired but we have to go there today. They might cancel the reservation. I booked it 3 months ago and-"

"I am tired!" he interrupted her once again, "I just told you. I have been working for 18 hours straight and you expect me to drive you to some fancy place! I should've realized you were up to something when you walked in dressed like that!"

"Dressed like what, Ravi? You bought me this sari 5 years ago. Actually, exactly 5 years ago. Don't use that tone with me! I haven't put too much make-up and you know it. Especially after spending time at your office around all those women!"

He remained silent. He did not have the strength to contradict her.

"Okay, let's not argue" said she, "I just wanted this night to be special. Please let's go out for dinner."

"I don't know who puts these thoughts in your head Jyothi. I honestly don't care for a special night right now. What I really want is a simple dinner and a good night sleep. How can you nag me like this after such a tiring day? God! I don't understand why you never see things in my perspective! What do you think I am? A machine?! I work like a donkey to keep you happy and you also want me you parade you around town every day!" He paused and looked at her and saw tears welling up in her eyes. At that moment it infuriated him. He continued, "Perfect! To top it all, I am always supposed to understand you and comfort you. Why can't you do that for a change?"

She stared at him for a second and threw something on the coffee table and said "Fine! I will go cook dinner!" and walked into the kitchen.

Ravi bent over and picked up what she had tossed. It was an envelope. He opened to see a 'Happy Anniversary' card inside.

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